/INS. Konecranes has over 80 years of experience with lifting applications across a wide range of process industries. Working on the production frontline of industrial customers on every continent, the company constantly has its hands on the pulse of the ever-evolving lifting needs. For example, greater control of material handling in production processes is essential for many working in manufacturing industries. Therefore, Konecranes has put decades of experience in technology and industry into its software-based Smart Features, which bring concrete benefits to lifting processes by improving safety and productivity.

Konecranes cranes, both old and new, can be equipped with Smart Features; they can be bought already installed on new cranes or can be added to existing cranes. Smart Features are currently available for electric overhead traveling cranes ― for wire rope hoist cranes and open winch cranes. They were developed in real-life conditions to deal with operational challenges faced every day by crane operators around the world. Moreover, they were designed to improve safety and reduce load cycle times by enabling total control over material handling in production processes.

Intelligent lifting
From the moment the operators take charge of the crane loaded with Smart Features, their work immediately becomes easier. A more efficient operator increases productivity by saving time and money as load cycle times go down. Because the control system optimizes the crane movement, the crane and its components are subject to less wear and can therefore last longer. Most importantly, the chance of human error is reduced, so safety improves.

One at a time or in a package
Konecranes helps to choose which features are compatible with the lifting equipment or can recommend a feature package that fits the specific production process. Among a wide range of Smart Features, customers can order Sway Control to limit load swing, Assisted Load Turning to help turning the load by keeping the ropes straight, Protected Areas to help keep the crane work area safer, Hoisting Synchronization to synchronize the movement of each hoist, Shock Load Prevention to pick-up load smoothly, Adaptive Speed Range (ASR) and Extended Speed Range (ESR) to optimize speed of the lifting, Load Floating to restart of the hoisting movement faster and smoother, and Inching to enhance final load positioning with a high level of accuracy.

These are just a few examples. Altogether, there are several Smart Features that enable more control over lifting processes.
Following are three examples of the latest Smart Features that make crane operation much easier.

Active Sway Control limits load swing by controlling the bridge and trolley acceleration and deceleration. Sway Control allows faster load handling and more precise positioning. This feature also prevents damage to the load, crane, and surrounding area.

Hook Centering is designed to eliminate side pull during lifting by positioning the bridge and trolley automatically directly over the load. This feature means less wear and tear on the crane’s components, faster load cycle times and ease of operation.

Snag Prevention is designed to stop all crane movement if the hook, sling or load accidentally gets caught on something. This safety function reduces the risk of hazardous situations while moving loads and helps to prevent damage

A wide selection of Smart Features ensures a streamlined lifting process for every industry. Konecranes’ goal is that Smart Features represent the most advanced crane technology on the market today.

Caption 1: An intelligent crane with Smart Features– safer operations and faster work cycle. © Konecranes

Caption 2: Protected Areas allow for defining protected zones, where the crane is not allowed to enter. © Konecranes

Caption 3: Active Sway Control is designed to dampen also the existing load sway. © Konecranes

Konecranes is a world-leading group of Lifting Businesses™, serving a broad range of customers, including manufacturing and process industries, shipyards, ports and terminals. Konecranes provides productivity-enhancing lifting solutions as well as services for lifting equipment and machine tools of all makes. In 2015, Group sales totaled EUR 2,126 million. The Group has 11,600 employees at 600 locations in 48 countries. Konecranes is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki (symbol: KCR1V).

www.konecranes.com

Further information:

Konecranes
Lena Ansorge
Marketing & Communications
Lena.ansorge@konecranes.com
Phone +49 6103 7333-235
Mobile +49 162 2824233